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There are plenty of scents spiders hate, but there are some scents scientists believe can work in the opposite way and attract them into your home. Some studies suggest that spiders may be attracted to stinky items like smelly socks. One thought is spiders are attracted to smells that attract more insects, such as mosquitos, which they feed on.

Skunks spray as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. The active ingredient in their sulfurous, oily musk is n-butyl mercaptan, which evaporates into a powerful and smelly gas. Once the spray hits the skunk’s target, the stench can linger for days, and water and common cleaning kits aren’t enough to wash it away.

If you happen upon a skunk in your yard, try to back away slowly to reduce the chance of them aiming at you. Encouragingly, they don’t use their weapon casually, as it can take up to 10 days for their life-saving weaponry to refill. Paw stamping, hissing, lifting their tail, and arching their back are early signs they feel trapped or under threat and that it’s time to make a careful retreat.

Brown recluse spiders are attracted to homes and properties in search of shelter and food. Key attractants include a steady supply of insects, which are their primary food source. Consequently, things that attract other bugs, like food left out or poorly sealed trash cans, will also indirectly attract spiders. They also seek warm, dry, dark spots with nooks and crannies for nesting, such as untended wood piles, dirt piles, and cardboard boxes. Additionally, excessive outdoor lighting can attract insects, which in turn draws in spiders.

Fleas are master hiders, so they’re always looking for safe spots. In addition to living directly on your pets, they’re likely to hide in bedding materials, not unlike the infamous bed bugs. They also like carpet and thick grass, for similar reasons. They’re more likely to hang around dirt and debris in general, which is why it’s important to keep the home clean.